Revival after the Races featuring Dove Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Crabb to headline day two
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS the Mullikin Law Firm has been the named presenting sponsor for the historic Carolina Cup, sponsoring both the steeplechase race as “title sponsor” as well as the entire day’s racing events as the sole “presenting sponsor.” This year’s 88th annual Carolina Cup, slated for the first weekend in April, is to be no exception. And like last year, “Revival after the Races” a next-day gathering of music, food, and fellowship will be headlined by Grammy-winning and Dove Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Crabb.
“The primary reason for our sponsorship of the Cup is to give back to the community as a means of simply providing for, protecting and preserving our unique city, our state, and our internationally recognized steeplechase legacy,” says Dr. Tom Mullikin, founding principal partner at the Mullikin Law Firm. “Like last year, we’re hosting a brunch and party prior to the race on the morning-of the Carolina Cup and a Christian music revival the day after.”
The annual pre-Cup Saturday brunch is an event that had been held for years at the Mullikin home near downtown Camden, prior to guests boarding buses chartered by Mullikin for the short five-to-10-minute drive from his home to the Springdale Racecourse. Last year, the Saturday brunch was moved to the racetrack, and the Sunday revival and music event was added.
“My parents began hosting a pre-Cup party in 1977,” said Mullikin. “The Cup for us has always been like a huge family reunion, so that’s another reason we do this. My parents actually hosted a party every night for a week prior to raceday. People came from all over the country and around the world to have a wonderful time together, and we have continued and will continue that tradition.”
Tradition indeed: Mullikin and his wife Virginia Ann’s starry guestlists have for years read like a who’s who of Hollywood luminaries, top musical performers, multi-national business leaders, military and political leaders and other dignitaries and celebs.
“This is the second year the pre-Cup brunch will be held at the racetrack,” says Mullikin. “It will be every bit as much fun as last year, and easy for those attending as there is no break between the brunch, the party, and the races on that day.”
Raceday is slated for Saturday, April 1. Then Sunday, April 2, the post-race Christian music revival is scheduled to be held also at the Springdale Racecourse.
“Vocalist Jason Crabb is an incredible performer and a truly great man,” says Mullikin. “I’ve listened to his songs while climbing mountains all over the world. His work is simply phenomenal, and we want to share that and him with everyone.”
The Carolina Cup steeplechase race is hosted annually at the historic Springdale Racecourse in Camden, the oldest inland city in South Carolina. Located on the outskirts of the city at 200 Knights Hill Road, the Springdale Racecourse is also home to the National Steeplechase Museum.
The Carolina Cup, one of the nation’s most prestigious races and one of the most important on the national steeplechase circuit, holds the National Steeplechase Association’s attendance record of 71,000 people, including both spectators and participants.
For more information about MULLIKIN LAW CAROLINA CUP 2023 and to purchase tickets, please visit https://carolinacup.org/tickets/.
– Pictured (L-R) are S.C. Governor Henry McMaster and Dr. Tom Mullikin during the Mullikin Law Carolina Cup 2022.
